The afternoon of September 17, 2026, Christopher Lee Kethe, age 55, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at home.

Chris was born March 18, 1971, to Stuart Kethe and the late Sharon Mahn and grew up in New Baltimore, Michigan. He was married September 26, 1992, to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Christina (Jarzombek). He spent many years following his dream owning a classic car restoration business, but his greatest joy and passion was raising his two children, his son Wyatt (19) and daughter, Presley (17).

From his son, Wyatt:

Over the course of its existence, many men have walked this earth. Presidents, soldiers, educators, scientists, priests, etc. But of none that I have known or heard about has been a better man than my dad. Christopher Lee Kethe left this world far too early. While he took a large portion of the hearts of his family with him, he left behind so much more. Knowledge, inspiration, and memories that couldn’t have been given by anyone but him. A husband, a father, and my best friend. You’ll be missed more than you know buddy.

From his daughter, Presley:

My Dad was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith whose greatest joy in life was his family. He was married to my mom, his beloved wife, Christina, for more than 34 years. The two met when they were just 14 years old and began dating at 15. They married when they were both 21 and spent the rest of their 40 years together growing, experiencing, laughing. and building a life together. Their relationship was a true partnership. Dad had a fire and passion for life, while Mom brought a steady and grounding presence to our family. He cherished her and devoted himself to making sure she, my brother, and I were always loved, happy, and cared for.

Dad showed us daily that being a father was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he considered us his greatest accomplishments. He was present for every part of our lives and was always there when we needed him, whether sick, hurting, happy, or simply needing someone to talk to. He was our number one supporter and never missed an opportunity to cheer us on. Dad taught us to love the people closest to us with all our hearts and showed us through his own life what it meant to be selfless.

Dad had a deep love and passion for life. He loved classic cars, long drives, hiking, antique stores, traveling to Tennessee, and spending time with us. He enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash. He was also endlessly curious and the smartest man I knew, often seeming to know something about nearly everything.

Those who knew my Dad knew his sense of humor. He had a wonderfully dry wit, loved making people laugh, and was never afraid to say what was on his mind. His smile was captivating and his laugh infectious. He was famous for terrible dad jokes, pointless songs, and calling himself “Bamboo” just because he could. Whenever we spoke to our dog, Ranger. Dad would always add, “and handsome” in a silly voice. These small, unmistakably Chris moments reflected the humor and warmth he brought into everyday life.

Dad was generous, quietly observant, strong, loyal, and deeply caring. He had a remarkable ability to know what to say and when to say it. He gave freely to the people he loved. His greatest accomplishments were found not in material things or titles, but in the people, he loved and the life he built with them.

My Dad also possessed a profound Christian faith. Although he was not a regular churchgoer, his faith in the Lord was unwavering and deeply personal. He spoke about God with a depth and sincerity that left a lasting impression on those closest to him. His faith was reflected in the way he loved others, with humility, loyalty, compassion, and an open heart. He remained a humble servant of Christ until the end, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is now with his Lord in heaven.

His memory will live on in the things he loved: the sight of a classic car on the road, a long drive with nowhere particular to go, the sound of his favorite songs, and the countless ordinary moments that became meaningful simply because my Dad was there.

He always made the joke that dogs are “part of your life, but you’re their whole life.” But in many ways, my Dad gave that same wholehearted love to his family. He gave us his time, his laughter, his wisdom, his protection, his strength, and his heart.

His life is a reminder that the greatest legacy a person can have is not what they possess, but how deeply they loved and how completely they showed up for the people who mattered most.

Our family finds comfort in the words of Romans 8:38–39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Dad, Christopher Lee Kethe, will be remembered for his humor, his smile, his twinkling grey eyes, his generous spirit, his unwavering love for his family, his passion for life, and the faith that carried him to the end. His love will remain a part of the lives he touched for generations to come.

In honor of his wishes, no service or memorial will be held.

Your presence and support mean the most. If you would like to honor Chris with a gift, a memorial donation may be made to St John’s Children’s Hospital in his memory: https://donate.cmn.org/?donate=5630